HC Deb 15 July 1970 vol 803 cc1512-3
16. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will refuse sanction to all major road improvement schemes which do not provide at least one extra lane, in view of the increasing volume of traffic and of the fact that schemes to cost £7 million were started last year without materially helping traffic flow.

Mr. Peyton

No, Sir. There are many schemes for the widening and re-alignment of roads and the improvement of gradients, intersections and bridges which greatly assist traffic flow and where the benefits offered fully justify their cost. Most major road improvements costing £250,000 or more do provide additional lane capacity.

Mr. Digby

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his Department has consistently under-estimated the increase in traffic? Will he give a much greater priority to road-widening provisions?

Mr. Peyton

I am always very interested to have the advice of my hon. Friend. If he can bring to my notice any of the projects he has in mind I should be most grateful.

Mr. Sillars

Is the hon. Member for Dorset, West (Mr. Wingfield Digby) aware—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] Is the Minister aware that if the Tory Party's programme of cuts in public expenditure is carried out sanctions will be refused to a whole number of road improvement programmes? Will he give an assurance that this will not apply in development areas?

Mr. Peyton

I am sure that both my hon. Friend and I will profit from any advice offered by the hon. Member.